In this episode, I talk with Brandon Davis about the Davis Focus Project, an innovative mental health program using neurofeedback to help veterans overcome challenges like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Brandon explains how neurofeedback works by mapping the brain, identifying dysregulated areas, and providing real-time feedback to help the brain self-correct. This non-invasive approach allows individuals to heal while doing everyday activities, like watching TV, with many seeing significant improvements after just a few sessions. Remarkably, not a single person who’s completed their program remains on medication, highlighting its transformative impact.

Brandon also shares how neurofeedback compares to years of meditation in helping the brain achieve mental clarity and self-regulation. The Davis Focus Project offers personalized care, regularly updating brain maps to track progress and target the most pressing issues. Even if veterans aren’t local to Tennessee, Brandon promises to connect them with resources nationwide. To support their mission, listeners can donate—just $60 a month can fully fund a veteran’s treatment and potentially save a life. Learn more at thedavisfocusproject.com.

In this episode, Dr. Melissa Batchelor dives into the future of assisted living with Shaun Toomey of Inspir Embassy Row, a premier luxury senior living and memory care community. Discover how cutting-edge technology and personalized care are setting a new standard for older adults. Learn about the innovative services offered by Inspir and the role of age-friendly initiatives in shaping a more inclusive world. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation!

Stay Connected

🌐 Website: MelissaBPhD.com

🎙 Podcast: TIGO - Topics in Gerontology

📍 Join our private Facebook Group: Building Age-Friendly Ecosystems

Are you caring for a loved one with dementia and wondering how to make the most of your time together? Walking can be a great way to spend quality time with your loved one while also promoting their physical and mental well-being. In this episode, we'll explore 3 tips for walking together. Tune in to learn how you can make walking with your loved one a positive and enjoyable experience for both of you and why benefits you both!

When Dementia Patients Stop Eating: A Caregiver’s Guide to Support and Comfort

Caring for a loved one with dementia is an emotional journey, and one of the most difficult challenges is when they stop eating or drinking. This heartbreaking transition often signals the later stages of the disease, leaving caregivers feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do.

In this blog post, we’ll explore:

• Why people with dementia stop eating and drinking: From loss of appetite to difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), there are several physical and neurological reasons behind this change.
• How to provide comfort and care: Practical tips like offering liquids with straws to trigger reflexes, using calorie-dense drinks, and maintaining oral hygiene to prevent discomfort.
• Ways to maintain connection: Mealtimes can still be meaningful moments to share love and presence, even when food is no longer a focus.
• Grief, loss, and bereavement: The emotional toll of caregiving, especially during end-stage dementia, can be overwhelming. Recognizing anticipatory grief and seeking support can make a difference.

This journey isn’t one you have to face alone. Hospice care, palliative specialists, and local dementia organizations are invaluable resources that can guide and support you every step of the way.

For more personalized help, explore my new ebook and online course, Managing Meals and Eating Challenges. Designed for family and professional caregivers, these resources include expert strategies, video demonstrations, and skills checklists to help you navigate eating challenges with confidence and compassion.

Visit MelissaBPhD.com to learn more and take the first step toward making mealtimes less stressful and more meaningful.

In this episode of This is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World, I sit down with Brittany Olson, an expert in Feng Shui and interior design. Brittany shares her insights on creating spaces that promote harmony and balance, highlighting how Feng Shui can be a powerful tool for enhancing well-being. We explore practical tips for arranging furniture, selecting colors, and using natural elements to transform any environment into a more inviting and peaceful place. Whether you're new to Feng Shui or looking for ways to refresh your space, Brittany offers valuable advice that can make a real difference in your home.

Brittany also discusses her approach to working with clients and how she tailors her recommendations to suit individual needs and preferences. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the personal energy in a space and how it can influence one's life. From small adjustments to larger transformations, Brittany's expertise helps people create spaces that nurture both mind and body. Tune in to hear more about how Feng Shui can guide you in making intentional choices for your home, and learn how to bring more balance and positivity into your living environment.

As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, changes in touch—like the return of the palmar reflex and loss of fine motor skills—can make eating difficult for individuals with dementia. In this video, I share two key sensory changes that impact mealtimes and four practical strategies to help your loved one eat more easily and comfortably. From the overhand and underhand techniques to introducing finger foods and adaptive utensils, these tips are designed to improve both the caregiver’s experience and the individual’s independence. Looking for more support? Check out my new course, Managing Meals and Eating Challenges, or grab the ebook for quick solutions at melissabphd.com/courses.

Caring for a loved one with dementia who struggles with eating can be challenging, as sensory changes in taste and smell often lead to a loss of interest in food. These changes occur because dementia damages brain areas responsible for processing smell and taste, such as the olfactory bulb and hippocampus, and is further impacted by protein buildups like amyloid plaques. To address these challenges, caregivers can enhance flavors with spices or sweeteners, experiment with textures and temperatures, and use visually appealing presentations to make meals more enjoyable. Safety considerations, such as preventing spoiled food consumption and ensuring visibility of meals, are equally essential to improving the dining experience.

Remaining flexible and patient is key, as what works one day may not work the next. For more guidance, caregivers can explore the course Managing Meals and Eating Challenges at melissabphd.com/courses, which offers expert strategies and practical tools. Additional resources are available on the YouTube channel This is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World and in the private Facebook community. These platforms provide valuable insights and support to help caregivers create less stressful and more enjoyable mealtimes for their loved ones.

How Hearing and Language Changes in Dementia Impact Eating | Tips for Caregivers Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias impact every aspect of life, including how a person hears and understands language. In this episode, Dr. Melissa Batchelor explores how these changes can make eating independently a challenge—and shares practical strategies to help.

✨ Topics Covered: How hearing loss and auditory processing difficulties affect mealtimes. Tips to improve communication with nonverbal cues and visual aids. Breaking down multi-step tasks into simple, manageable steps. 🍴 Caregiving isn’t easy, but small adjustments can make a big difference. Watch now and learn how to create a more supportive mealtime environment!

💡 Want more in-depth guidance? Check out the online course, Alzheimer's Disease: Managing Meals and Eating Challenges, at melissabphd.com/courses.